We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariel Benham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Let me answer this by telling you about my necklace.

I designed a pendant when I was 20 that I wound up finally commissioning a local jeweler to cast for me with part of a stimulus check at the beginning of the pandemic.

The pendant has three symbols, overlaying each other: first, a compass for “Not all those who wander are lost” (JRR Tolkein), a butterfly for “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, she became a butterfly” (unknown), and a pentacle for the power within.

The line “Not all who wander are lost” is part of a larger poem by JRR Tolkein in his Lord of the Rings trilogy. Without writing an entire essay, the line serves as a personal reminder to me that while I may have wandered off the trail others may have set for me, I’ve done so with purpose, a goal, and an idea of where I’m going – and, even if I don’t know where exactly I am, my God does.
The quote also brings to mind the rest of the stanza and reminds me to look for something’s true value even if others can’t see it (“All that is gold does not glitter”), to be strong, and to remember my roots when life grows difficult.

The second stanza of that poem, which contains references death, rebirth, and renewal, shares something with the butterfly quote, often (and incorrectly) attributed to Chuang Tzu of Taoist fame. I referenced during my last interview that I’ve been through….much, which has influenced how I’ve grown and changed over the years. At times I’ve felt broken, defeated – but, the reminder is there of where I’m headed, and who I hope to be.

The third symbol, while I make absolutely no claims of practicing magic, is heavily associated with that subject. I take the point, as it were, of the symbol representing the five classical elements, phases, or what have you, however, and personally widen the idea, while placing it at the center of the butterfly, to represent inner power, strength, and ability.

Taken as a whole, the necklace serves as an affirmation I wear constantly that could be simply stated as “You’ve got this, you’ll make it through, you’re not alone – keep going”.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Practice, practice, practice. I’ve been sewing since I knew which end of a needle to thread, and making cosplays for ten years now – and I’m only getting better at playing with more complicated patterns and materials. It’s not been easy, but it’s been a lot of fun – and definitely worth it, for all the joy I get to see my art bring to others and being able to be a resource people can go to for advice, commissions, etc.

What am I most excited about? Well…. a few months back I finished a dress I call “Binary Sunset” for the Geekbound Fashion Challenge here in Salt Lake, which I designed with the help of my dear friend Nick. It involved learning to work with silk chiffon, silk paint, draft patterns, and dip dye – none of which are things I’ve done before and blessedly the final product turned out rather stunning if I do say so myself.

What do I want the world to know about my story?
Keep going. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Practice. Try again. You’ve got this.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh stars. I’d like to thank the Academy….
I’m kidding.
There’s a group of friends I met largely in college, who due to some crazy adventures in playing Dungeons & Dragons and an off-the-cuff remark referencing Harry Potter, came to be known among ourselves as Hydron’s Army.
We’re still largely in touch, though it’s been a minute now since we all graduated, started careers and families, and all that.
They all showed up in my life exactly when I needed them most, and we all know still that all we have to do is call if there’s a need (advanced warning now being preferable so some can arrange a babysitter, but nevertheless).
The short version? I wouldn’t still be here without them, and I thank God they’re all still part of my life.

Website: https://linktr.ee/ChaoslillyCreations

Instagram: @chaoslilycreations

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajbenham/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChaosLilyCreations

Image Credits
Spencer Taylor Studios Ariel Benham

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